Welcome to the Guardian local government network, an online space where we share the latest comment, opinion, debate and best practice from your sector as it faces a period of unprecedented change.

Becoming a member of the network lets you play an active part in our community. Join and you will be part of a professional network that stretches right across the UK. You will receive exclusive invites to our events and previews of our content online, as well as the chance to take part as a panel member in our live discussions. You will also be first to hear about top jobs in your area.

Latest testimonials

"I check the Local Government Network each week and find it a very useful resource for keeping up to date with developments"Damon Holmes, tenant involvement officer, Southampton city council

"The Local Government Network is a great tool for connecting like-minded people in order to share ideas and best practice"Trevor Mose, programme manager, Hertfordshire county council

"Papers at lunchtime aren't an option in my current role, so the weekly prompt to engage on the issues of the day by Local Government Network is really helpful"Paul Jackson, consultation and community relations manager, Norfolk county council

"The Local Government Network is an innovative and informative tool that puts information at the fingertips of local government workers. It makes the sector accessible and understandable to a diverse audience and is my first point of call on many pressing issues in this area"James Beckles, strategy and partnerships officer, London borough of Newham

John Tizard, independent strategic advisor

John Tizard is an independent strategic advisor and commentator on public policy and public services. He works with a range of public, private, third and academic organisations. John was previously the founder director of the Centre for Public Service Partnerships and prior to that was a senior executive at Capita and Scope.

Heather Wakefield, national secretary for UNISON's Local Government Service Group

Daniel Ratchford, strategic director of environment and leisure, London borough of Sutton

Daniel Ratchford Photograph: London Borough of Sutton

Daniel's career has involved spells in regional and central government, the private and voluntary sectors and the NHS. Currently strategic director of environment and leisure at Sutton, he is also a trustee of Keep Britain Tidy and a board member of the Public Management and Policy Association. He is also a member of the London Advisory Board of Common Purpose.

Tom Stannard, director of policy and communications, Blackburn with Darwen borough council

Tom Stannard Photograph: Blackburn with Darwen

A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Tom has more than 14 years experience in local government working in London and the north-west. Currently director of policy and communications at Blackburn, he is also a non-executive director of Solace.

Will Tuckley, chief executive, London borough of Bexley

Will Tuckley Photograph: Will Tuckley

Will was appointed chief executive of Bexley in early 2008. Previously, as deputy chief executive of Croydon, Will helped deliver the borough's new tramway. He started his career working for the Greater London Council and went on to be head of policy for the Association of London Government (now London Councils). He is also chair of the London Chief Executives Group.

Stella Manzie, chief executive, London borough of Barking and Dagenham

Stella Manzie Photograph: Stella Manzie

Appointed chief executive for Barking and Dagenham in 2011, Stella was previously chief executive of Coventry city council and has held the post of director general of finance and corporate services, and of justice and communities, for the Scottish Government. Previously, she was chief executive of West Berkshire council, overseeing its transition to a unity authority.

Mary Orton, chief executive, Waverley borough council

Mary Orton Photograph: Submitted image

Appointed chief executive of Waverley in 2007, Mary has been working in local government since 1990 when she began her career in housing in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. She has worked for the City of London Corporation and has a background in economic development and regeneration.

Jenny Rowlands, chief executive, Lewes district council

Jenny Rowlands Photograph: Jenny Rowlands

Jenny is the chief executive of Lewes, a mixed urban and rural area. She was previously director of environment for Brighton and Hove city council and her professional background is in housing.